Thursday, October 25, 2012

Last Minute Herbal Harvesting Going On!

Tarragon Added to White Wine Vinegar

Some of my Herb Picks for Today

Found a Drying Rack under the Stairs and Put it to Use
Well, I've run out of time to do this post justice.  The clock is ticking.  It was a beautiful summer like day here.  I did get some things accomplished.  My tarragon was just pathetic this year, but I managed to collect a tiny bit and put it in a pint jar with some white wine vinegar.  You see tarragon loses its flavor when it is dried.  So if you cut it and put it in vinegar, you get flavored vinegar and you can use the tarragon from the vinegar as you would use fresh.  Genius!  I cut the last of the 'Rober's Lemon Rose' scented geranium and my pathetic pineapple sage to dry in paper bags.  We will see if the pineapple sage holds up.  It loses its smell once dried, but one can hope.  Then I went about collecting some tea herbs, mints, spear and orange, anise hyssop and lemon balm.  I've got one more dry day to cut other herbs.  I'll dry these and make tea bags soon.  I found this little booklet I bought and it has the easiest recipes that I will share.  Well, it's a bit crazy with Hurricane Sandy may be hitting us early next week!  The Herbal Husband is coming home Saturday if he can get out of Florida!  It is going to be a wild one!  Will talk to you later.

5 comments:

Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh said...

I know what you mean about the frantic need to get one last harvest! I was out doing root cuttings from the Pineapple sage and lemon verbena that will not be allowed to come in this year! Good Luck - Marcy

Pat said...

Hoping by now your Herbal Husband is safe at home by your side. We are hearing weather reports of just how far inland this "super storm" may run. Thinking of you and sending good, positive thoughts that you will be okay. Being originally from the DC/Northern Virginia area, we have some family all along the eastern seaboard. Hoping all will be well.

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Yes, Marcy. Now the rain has started so I'm pretty much done. Hope harvesting goes well for you. xxoo Nancy

Hi TO, yes, he is home and we are busy getting the last plants in pots inside and getting everything tied down that needs it. They are saying that it won't be as bad for us as eastern PA. Hope your family is safe as well. xxoo Nancy

Unknown said...

LVL, you would be so proud of me. I have made a batch of mexican mint marigold vinegar and have been using it in my recipes. Seems I have collected quite a few recipes asking for tarragon vinegar. No need to pay the $ anymore.

I am saying my prayers for you and all those on the east coast. Let's just hope the weather folks get it wrong again.

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

I am proud of you TG! Herbal vinegar is delicious and so easy to make. Thanks for the prayers. It is very quiet here at the moment. The calm before the storm. Hopefully, it won't be as bad. I think we will be in the lower end of the damage. xxoo Nancy